The hissing butterfly

Continuing yesterday's theme of insects that have strange defense mechanisms. This is one of three Peacocks seen on my woodland butterfly transect this morning. They have of course all had to survive over winter and its probably this longevity which requires a number of defense mechanisms. In addition to its eye spot "startle display' and its closed-wing camouflage they can also make a noise. This is done  by rubbing the rear edge of their forewings over their hindwings. Its sometimes described as a hissing although I think its more like the sound you get when you rub a piece of greaseproof paper.  There's a clip of it here: https://nurturing-nature.co.uk/wildlife-garden-videos/peacock-butterfly-disturbed-during-hibernation-making-anti-predatory-noise-video/ Its much harder to hear when you are outside in the open but, once you know about it, you can usually pick it up.